[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 9]
[House]
[Page 11799]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       COLOMBIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY

  (Mr. GALLEGO asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I joined the people of Colombia 
and my fellow Colombian Americans in celebrating the nation's 215 years 
of independence.
  I am extremely proud of Colombia's rich history and vibrant culture. 
I am even prouder of the close friendship between our two countries, a 
partnership which has never been more important.
  On issues from narcotrafficking to the promotion of democracy, the 
United States and Colombia are working arm in arm together to make our 
hemisphere a more peaceful and prosperous place.
  Mr. Speaker, the Colombian people are celebrating their independence 
at a critical juncture in Colombian history.
  After decades of bloody conflict and instability, Colombia is engaged 
in intense negotiations with the FARC guerillas, talks that could 
produce a landmark peace agreement.
  This inspiring effort not only demonstrates the Colombian 
Government's commitment to peace, but also the Colombian people's 
capacity for healing and forgiveness.
  I commend Colombian President Santos and his administration for the 
progress to date and encourage both parties to press ahead, despite the 
obstacles that remain.
  Mr. Speaker, my sincere hope is that 1 year from today the Colombian 
people will be able to celebrate not just their innocence, but their 
freedom from fear and violence.

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